DirecTV programming chief to exit: Derek Chang to be replaced by AT&T's Dan York

May 29, 2012|Andrew Wallenstein | Variety

DirecTV chief content officer Derek Chang will step down from his post at year-end, the satcaster announced Tuesday.

He will be replaced by Dan York, president of content and advertising sales at AT&T. He'll assume oversight of regional sports networks, ad sales and programming originals and acquisitions.

York reports to DirecTV chairman Mike White, who thanked Chang for helping his own transition into the industry from the chairman post at PepsiCo International.

"We understand Derek's desire to take his career in a different direction but I personally appreciate his advice and guidance during my own entry into the industry and his willingness to work with me on a thoughtful transition over the course of this year," he said.

Under Chang's leadership, DirecTV expanded its original programming efforts, from bringing over the FX series "Damages" for a two-year run to commissioning the satcaster's first series from scratch, actioner "Rogue," for a 10-episode run next summer. DirecTV also evolved its original channel branding from 101 Network to the Audience Network, as its currently known.

Chang also emerged as the public face of the satcaster in its frequent carriage disputes with station groups.

Chang joined DirecTV in 2006 as senior VP of strategy and development for DirecTV Entertainment. He assumed the top programming job in 2010 with the departure of Eric Shanks. He previously worked at Charter Communciations and YES Network.

Chang will work with York to help with his transition. But York comes to DirecTV with plenty of experience as well, having led AT&T's content efforts for its U-Verse product over the past six years. He previously worked in top posts at In Demand Networks and HBO.

AT&T is replacing York by elevating Jeff Weber, VP of U-verse and video products, to president of content and ad sales.